Sirmione holidays

Sirmione has been famous for centuries for its thermal waters, with natural springs bubbling below the lake's surface. Jamaica Beach is the closest beach to the thermal spring. If the lake is still, you might even be able to spot the bubbles.

To the east of the peninsula is Lido delle Bionde, or Blonde Beach. Its name refers to the white rock that appears as the water level falls during the summer months. You can rent sun loungers and parasols for the day and gaze out on the lake. Or, if you fancy a view from the opposite direction, you can hire a pedalo or canoe here too.

There's a market held within the castle walls every week. Stroll around the stalls and you'll find Italian pottery, clothing, leather goods and more. In the Lugana area, there's also a weekly food market, with fresh produce from nearby farms.

You'll find lots of small shops and boutiques along Sirmione's narrow streets. Paolo Golinelli, a well-known Italian artist, has a studio that sells colourful artwork.

Sirmione is well-known for amazing ice-cream. Grab a cornet and stroll along the lakeside path, or people (and lake) watch at one of the cafes on the shore.

Sirmione's narrow streets are alive with activity in the evenings, as shops, bars and restaurants stay open late. Beyond the castle walls you'll find bars with views towards Desenzano.

There are lots of restaurants tucked away down the historical alleyways of Sirmione - not to mention plenty of ice-cream parlours to try.

Compared to many towns along Lake Garda, Sirmione has a wider range of cuisines, from Italian to American and even Chinese. So you'll have lots of choice if you fancy eating out.

You'll find the bus station behind the town's tourist office. Buses run once an hour to Verona, Desenzano and Brescia.

Hop on a ferry to various towns around the lake, including Bardolino, which is an hour to the east. You'll find Sirmione's port beyond the castle on the peninsula.

A tourist train wanders its way around Sirmione, letting you sit back and enjoy the views as they pass by. You can catch the train at Aquaria. The nearest mainline train station is at Desenzano, which is a bus ride away.

Sirmione is a stroller's town, with narrow, pedestrianised streets within the walls of the Scaligero Castle. On the other side of the walls are lakeside strolls with views across the water.

If you'd like to wander a bit further than the town centre, head north and follow signs for the Church of San Pietro in Mavino. It's Sirmione's oldest church, and is a beautifully peaceful place.

Walk to the north of the peninsula and right at the top you'll find the Grotto of Catullus. This three-storey Roman ruin has some of the best views around.